FAKARAVA AND THE TUAMOTUS NOVEMBER 2022 LIVEABOARD
hundreds of grey sharks, mantas, groupers, eagle rays 9 - 19 2022 on AqUATIKI II
double or twin occupancy ensuite cabins
ORIGINAL price $5500 USD , NOW $3100 USD per person
Free photography coaching from a pro - MAX 7 clients on board
The Location
The Tuamotu archipelago, 350km (215 miles) north east of Tahiti, is made up of 78 atolls, hardly half of which are inhabited. It stretches over 160,000 square km (sq ft). The atolls are rings of coral sand, dotted with coconut trees, harbouring the turquoise waters of their inner lagoons. The locals' activities consist of copra, fishing, and in the last few years, pearl culture (from the pinctada margaritifera oyster) which gives the famous black pearl - endemic to the Tuamotus.
Fakarava, a one-hour flight from Tahiti, is the second largest Paumoto atoll in surface area, and is still isolated from major tourist activity. This stunning atoll has two passes, one of which over 1 km wide – the widest pass in all of Polynesia. Passes offer an amazing opportunity for scuba divers to observe pelagic fauna in remarkable density and diversity. You will be able to discover sensational dive sites and touch land on stunning, deserted motus (reef islets).
The major attraction of Fakarava is its exceptional location, both close to Tahiti and yet far, far from any urbanism or tourist activity. And above all, it is surrounded by wild atolls of unbelievable beauty, accessible only by boat in a few hours of sailing … Tetamanu, Kauehi, Toau, Tahanea, Aratika are some of the destinations we offer, offering dreamlike landscapes from the end of the world.
The cruise offers many activities beyond scuba-diving: land excursions, tours of ancient villages, of the oldest church in the Paumotu, and of coconut plantations.... which will provide many opportunities to meet the particularly welcoming locals and experience life as it was a century ago. You will also discover the techniques for extracting copra, the secrets of the black pearl graft, and the skills to achieve tasty coconut-based recipes. The heavenly lagoons we will navigate will allow you to indulge in many water sports such as: snorkelling or scuba-diving, water-skiing, wake-boarding, kayaking and big-game fishing. With all these options, there's something for everyone, diver or non-diver.
Photography coaching
Provided by Indigo Safaris’ founder and underwater photographer Christopher Bartlett. Christopher’s work has been published round the world, and over the last decade he has had more than 100 articles published on a range of diving and marine conservation subjects, and to date has a dozen dive magazine cover shots to his name. Latest images here .
The Tuamotu archipelago, 350km (215 miles) north east of Tahiti, is made up of 78 atolls, hardly half of which are inhabited. It stretches over 160,000 square km (sq ft). The atolls are rings of coral sand, dotted with coconut trees, harbouring the turquoise waters of their inner lagoons. The locals' activities consist of copra, fishing, and in the last few years, pearl culture (from the pinctada margaritifera oyster) which gives the famous black pearl - endemic to the Tuamotus.
Fakarava, a one-hour flight from Tahiti, is the second largest Paumoto atoll in surface area, and is still isolated from major tourist activity. This stunning atoll has two passes, one of which over 1 km wide – the widest pass in all of Polynesia. Passes offer an amazing opportunity for scuba divers to observe pelagic fauna in remarkable density and diversity. You will be able to discover sensational dive sites and touch land on stunning, deserted motus (reef islets).
The major attraction of Fakarava is its exceptional location, both close to Tahiti and yet far, far from any urbanism or tourist activity. And above all, it is surrounded by wild atolls of unbelievable beauty, accessible only by boat in a few hours of sailing … Tetamanu, Kauehi, Toau, Tahanea, Aratika are some of the destinations we offer, offering dreamlike landscapes from the end of the world.
The cruise offers many activities beyond scuba-diving: land excursions, tours of ancient villages, of the oldest church in the Paumotu, and of coconut plantations.... which will provide many opportunities to meet the particularly welcoming locals and experience life as it was a century ago. You will also discover the techniques for extracting copra, the secrets of the black pearl graft, and the skills to achieve tasty coconut-based recipes. The heavenly lagoons we will navigate will allow you to indulge in many water sports such as: snorkelling or scuba-diving, water-skiing, wake-boarding, kayaking and big-game fishing. With all these options, there's something for everyone, diver or non-diver.
Photography coaching
Provided by Indigo Safaris’ founder and underwater photographer Christopher Bartlett. Christopher’s work has been published round the world, and over the last decade he has had more than 100 articles published on a range of diving and marine conservation subjects, and to date has a dozen dive magazine cover shots to his name. Latest images here .
TUAMOTU DIVING
This itinerary offers exhilarating dives that will satisfy the most adventurous divers. Diving in the passes is extraordinary, which is why we require a certain level of scuba-diving certification: CMAS level 2, PADI Advanced open water or equivalent. Please note: CMAS level 1 and PADI Open water divers will not be able to participate in some of the dives (due to currents and depths).
On the menu: hundreds of Grey reef sharks at a time, mantas, eagle rays, dolphins, turtles, tuna, jacks, barracudas, snappers, fusiliers in great numbers; a luxuriant fauna in both density and diversity. With a bit of luck, we should also encounter Silvertip, Hammerhead, and Tiger sharks. November is just after Humpback whale season, but you never know.
The water temperature will be around 27°C (80°F) with no thermocline and an excellent visibility.
Why we do two dives day
In the passes of the Polynesian atolls, the most interesting dives are drift dives, flowing with the incoming tide (very good visibility, rich marine life). However, there are only, at best, six hours of incoming current in one day. Activities are therefore scheduled so that we can do two incoming-tide drift dives per day, but this means we have to adapt the sailing and meal times to tide times, which usually doesn't allow more than two dives per day. Furthermore, most dives are fairly saturating (depth, dive time, strong current) hence it is reasonable to limit oneself to two dives, as far away as we will be from a decompression chamber. (the number of close dives being a promoting factor in decompression illnesses). Everyone is equipped with a 15L cylinder at 230 bars, which for two dives, corresponds to a greater autonomy than three dives with 11L cylinders at 200 bars. Lastly, there is life beyond the dives and so many more things to discover on the islands and in the lagoons.
On the menu: hundreds of Grey reef sharks at a time, mantas, eagle rays, dolphins, turtles, tuna, jacks, barracudas, snappers, fusiliers in great numbers; a luxuriant fauna in both density and diversity. With a bit of luck, we should also encounter Silvertip, Hammerhead, and Tiger sharks. November is just after Humpback whale season, but you never know.
The water temperature will be around 27°C (80°F) with no thermocline and an excellent visibility.
Why we do two dives day
In the passes of the Polynesian atolls, the most interesting dives are drift dives, flowing with the incoming tide (very good visibility, rich marine life). However, there are only, at best, six hours of incoming current in one day. Activities are therefore scheduled so that we can do two incoming-tide drift dives per day, but this means we have to adapt the sailing and meal times to tide times, which usually doesn't allow more than two dives per day. Furthermore, most dives are fairly saturating (depth, dive time, strong current) hence it is reasonable to limit oneself to two dives, as far away as we will be from a decompression chamber. (the number of close dives being a promoting factor in decompression illnesses). Everyone is equipped with a 15L cylinder at 230 bars, which for two dives, corresponds to a greater autonomy than three dives with 11L cylinders at 200 bars. Lastly, there is life beyond the dives and so many more things to discover on the islands and in the lagoons.
short version
long version
TRIP DETAILS
Arrival
Guests board the yacht at Fakarava, a one-hour flight from the capital Papeete. The flight is not included in the dive price. Boarding is on arrival. Air Tahiti offers 5 weekly flights from Papeete (flight time: 65 minutes) and direct flights to and from Rangiroa (flight time: 20 minutes).
Includes
Airport/boat/airport transfers, full board accommodation with tap water and squash (mineral water, sodas and alcohol are extras), cruise with crew and dive instructor, scheduled land excursions (village tours, motu exploration, etc.), and open water sports: kayaking, big-game and underwater fishing, and snorkelling. 2 dives per day supervised by a professional dive instructor (no dives on the first and last days), scuba gear, cylinders (steel 12 and 15 litres to 230 bar).
Does not include
The bar (mineral water, sodas and alcohol), the dives on the non-scuba cruises (50 euros per dive), oxygen decompression stage (10 euros), water-skiing (10 euros).
Guests board the yacht at Fakarava, a one-hour flight from the capital Papeete. The flight is not included in the dive price. Boarding is on arrival. Air Tahiti offers 5 weekly flights from Papeete (flight time: 65 minutes) and direct flights to and from Rangiroa (flight time: 20 minutes).
Includes
Airport/boat/airport transfers, full board accommodation with tap water and squash (mineral water, sodas and alcohol are extras), cruise with crew and dive instructor, scheduled land excursions (village tours, motu exploration, etc.), and open water sports: kayaking, big-game and underwater fishing, and snorkelling. 2 dives per day supervised by a professional dive instructor (no dives on the first and last days), scuba gear, cylinders (steel 12 and 15 litres to 230 bar).
Does not include
The bar (mineral water, sodas and alcohol), the dives on the non-scuba cruises (50 euros per dive), oxygen decompression stage (10 euros), water-skiing (10 euros).
THE ITINERARY
11 days / 10 nights Tuamotu Dreams
1st day
Arrival at Fakarava airport, welcome by the crew of the AQUA TIKI 2, then transfer onto the boat. Settling into your private cabin, tour of the village, water sports, swimming. Sunset with a cocktail, presentation of the trip, welcome party.
2nd day
Early-morning departure for Fakarava's southern end, smooth sail through the lagoon, troll fishing. Anchorage off Tetamanu village (pop. 6). Dive one. Lunch. Land excursion, shell collecting, tour of the ancient village of Tetamanu and its church, 2nd dive. Water sport of your choice, kayak. Option of a Polynesian party on land.
3rd day
Awake in Fakarava's stunning lagoon, scuba-dive , then excursion to the untamed beauty of the “pink sand motu”, beach, swim. Lunch, scuba-dive. Sunset on the lagoon. Evening departure towards Tahanea.
4th day
Early anchorage off of a stunning, wild motu in Tahanea, scuba-dive, kayak, land excursion on a beautiful, deserted beach... Swims, shell collecting, lunch. Tour of the island in the RIB, scuba-dive, then trip back to the boat for a BBQ evening.
5th day
Morning rise in Tahanea's heavenly lagoon, early-morning scuba-dive looking for manta rays, water sport of your choice. Lunch, swim in crystal clear waters, scuba-dive, then departure for Kauehi, big-game fishing, sunset at sea.
6th day
Anchorage on the coral reef, scuba-dive. Lunch. Scuba-dive, kayak, troll fishing in the Kauehi pass, with the sun setting down. BBQ evening.
7th day
Water sports of your choice, swim, scuba-dive. Lunch, option of a land excursion, exploration of the reef to look for shells, scuba-dive. Dinner.
8th day
Early morning departure for Toau, sunrise at sea, smooth sailing helped by the trade winds, breakfast, big-game fishing. Anchorage off of a stunning coral sand beach, scuba-dive. Lunch, option to visit a pearl farm, scuba-dive. Sunset on the lagoon, BBQ evening.
9th day
Sunrise on the spectacular Toau lagoon, scuba-dive. Land excursion to look for shells, swim, coconut tasting (you will learn how to extract the coconut milk that is so prevalent in Polynesian cooking). Lunch. Scuba-dive. Sunset on the lagoon, dinner.
10th day
Early morning departure for the northern end of Fakarava. Short sail and anchorage off the coral reef. Scuba-dive in the famous Garuae pass (over half a mile wide!). Lunch, scuba-dive, then a smooth sail to the village of Rotoava. Last sunset with a cocktail, farewell party.
11th day
Village tour, water sports and last swims, then back to shore and transfer to the airport. Polynesian farewell!
Extended Stay
We can arrange dive extensions post or pre-liveaboard to Rangiroa.
11 days / 10 nights Tuamotu Dreams
1st day
Arrival at Fakarava airport, welcome by the crew of the AQUA TIKI 2, then transfer onto the boat. Settling into your private cabin, tour of the village, water sports, swimming. Sunset with a cocktail, presentation of the trip, welcome party.
2nd day
Early-morning departure for Fakarava's southern end, smooth sail through the lagoon, troll fishing. Anchorage off Tetamanu village (pop. 6). Dive one. Lunch. Land excursion, shell collecting, tour of the ancient village of Tetamanu and its church, 2nd dive. Water sport of your choice, kayak. Option of a Polynesian party on land.
3rd day
Awake in Fakarava's stunning lagoon, scuba-dive , then excursion to the untamed beauty of the “pink sand motu”, beach, swim. Lunch, scuba-dive. Sunset on the lagoon. Evening departure towards Tahanea.
4th day
Early anchorage off of a stunning, wild motu in Tahanea, scuba-dive, kayak, land excursion on a beautiful, deserted beach... Swims, shell collecting, lunch. Tour of the island in the RIB, scuba-dive, then trip back to the boat for a BBQ evening.
5th day
Morning rise in Tahanea's heavenly lagoon, early-morning scuba-dive looking for manta rays, water sport of your choice. Lunch, swim in crystal clear waters, scuba-dive, then departure for Kauehi, big-game fishing, sunset at sea.
6th day
Anchorage on the coral reef, scuba-dive. Lunch. Scuba-dive, kayak, troll fishing in the Kauehi pass, with the sun setting down. BBQ evening.
7th day
Water sports of your choice, swim, scuba-dive. Lunch, option of a land excursion, exploration of the reef to look for shells, scuba-dive. Dinner.
8th day
Early morning departure for Toau, sunrise at sea, smooth sailing helped by the trade winds, breakfast, big-game fishing. Anchorage off of a stunning coral sand beach, scuba-dive. Lunch, option to visit a pearl farm, scuba-dive. Sunset on the lagoon, BBQ evening.
9th day
Sunrise on the spectacular Toau lagoon, scuba-dive. Land excursion to look for shells, swim, coconut tasting (you will learn how to extract the coconut milk that is so prevalent in Polynesian cooking). Lunch. Scuba-dive. Sunset on the lagoon, dinner.
10th day
Early morning departure for the northern end of Fakarava. Short sail and anchorage off the coral reef. Scuba-dive in the famous Garuae pass (over half a mile wide!). Lunch, scuba-dive, then a smooth sail to the village of Rotoava. Last sunset with a cocktail, farewell party.
11th day
Village tour, water sports and last swims, then back to shore and transfer to the airport. Polynesian farewell!
Extended Stay
We can arrange dive extensions post or pre-liveaboard to Rangiroa.
AQUATIKI II
Launched in 2011 the modern Aqua Tiki II catamaran caters to just 8 divers in 4 en-suite cabins. There is one twin cabin, 2 doubles plus one double VIP cabin. Communal areas include an indoor lounge, cocktail bar, dining area and library, as well as a large outdoor covered lounge/dining area, grill and 2 very much coveted trampolines. Freshly prepared meals on board will satisfy the hungriest of divers, and include home-made brioche, pancakes and yogurt recipes. Sailing is done in the early morning to ensure a good night's sleep.
For everyone’s well-being, the AQUA TIKI II is strictly non smoking, as the on-board storage of fuel, gas and oxygen prohibits it. Smokers will be able to smoke during land-based trips, but they must pick up their cigarette butts (our cruises take place inside the Fakarava Biosphere Reserve).
The propulsion is ensured by 140 m2 of sail and by two 38 HP motors. A powerful but quiet generator and inverter provide electricity delivering 220V continuously, with individual 220V outlets in each cabin 24/7.
The Aquatiki 2 has plenty of freshwater, with a desalinator producing 190 litres / hour.
She is equipped with the most complete modern navigation equipment and the latest technical evolutions: autopilot, GPS, BLU, VHF, computer navigation center, radar, SARSAT
The catamaran is also equipped with all comforts: a hi-fi system with independent sound system in each cabin and CD-library, television and video recorder, DVD with video library. and many games to pass the evenings.
Food
The menu onboard is varied and plentiful, with a variety of American feasts, barbecues and local cuisine. You will awaken to fresh fruits, hot entrees, cereals and juices. Lunches are buffet-style, featuring hot soups, homemade breads, salads and sandwiches and/or entrees. Dinners are chef prepared and served each evening and include salads, vegetables, seafood, beef or chicken with a fresh homemade dessert. Once onboard, please speak to the chef about any special needs.
For everyone’s well-being, the AQUA TIKI II is strictly non smoking, as the on-board storage of fuel, gas and oxygen prohibits it. Smokers will be able to smoke during land-based trips, but they must pick up their cigarette butts (our cruises take place inside the Fakarava Biosphere Reserve).
The propulsion is ensured by 140 m2 of sail and by two 38 HP motors. A powerful but quiet generator and inverter provide electricity delivering 220V continuously, with individual 220V outlets in each cabin 24/7.
The Aquatiki 2 has plenty of freshwater, with a desalinator producing 190 litres / hour.
She is equipped with the most complete modern navigation equipment and the latest technical evolutions: autopilot, GPS, BLU, VHF, computer navigation center, radar, SARSAT
The catamaran is also equipped with all comforts: a hi-fi system with independent sound system in each cabin and CD-library, television and video recorder, DVD with video library. and many games to pass the evenings.
Food
The menu onboard is varied and plentiful, with a variety of American feasts, barbecues and local cuisine. You will awaken to fresh fruits, hot entrees, cereals and juices. Lunches are buffet-style, featuring hot soups, homemade breads, salads and sandwiches and/or entrees. Dinners are chef prepared and served each evening and include salads, vegetables, seafood, beef or chicken with a fresh homemade dessert. Once onboard, please speak to the chef about any special needs.
